The D40x is essentially a D40 with a 10-megapixel sensor and a faster continuous mode, up from 2.5fps to 3fps (we measured 2.77fps with noise reduction enabled). We're surprised that Nikon hasn't also improved the D40's hands-on control too, especially as the up and down navigation buttons are functionless when the screen is off. The supplied RAW conversion software is underpowered, and Nikon clearly hopes customers will spend another £100 on
ADVERTISEMENT
its more capable Capture NX software.
The D40x lacks the Canon EOS 400D's automatic exposure and white balance bracketing, but it does have one operational advantage over the 400D: a configurable Auto ISO mode. This allows you to dictate in advance exactly how the ISO and shutter speeds react to varying light. It's a fantastic feature but, bizarrely, it's listed on a separate page in the menu from the other ISO options. As a result, the LCD screen still shows a manual ISO speed when it has been overridden by the configurable auto option. One other issue to note is that the D40 and D40x don't have internal focus drive motors, so auto-focus works only with AF-S and AF-I lenses, which have built-in motors.
Image quality was consistently high across our tests but noise levels were a tad higher than on Nikon's D80 and Canon's 400D, with noise reduction giving ISO 1600 photos a slightly spidery look. It also failed to match the D80 and 400D's wide dynamic range. Overall, it's unlikely to disappoint, but Canon's 400D is better.
